12 Christmas Movies Every Student Should Watch Before They Graduate

We’re sure you’ve seen most of the films on our list before (once or twice, or a hundred times), but Christmas has got us feeling totally excited and sentimental. So why not check out the 12 Christmas movies we think every student should watch before they graduate. You might even find a cheesy gem that you've (somehow) not seen yet!

Elf (2003)

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Is it even Christmas if you don’t spend a dark, wintery afternoon watching Elf with your hungover flatmates before you all head your separate ways for the holidays? Love him or hate him, Will Ferrell has made Buddy an iconic and central part of everyone’s Christmas experience.

Home Alone (1990)

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This is a classic everyone can agree on. We’re not so sure about the various sequels and spin-offs, but the original Home Alone with little Macaulay Culkin outsmarting two stereotypically mean, but hilariously stupid, villains will always be essential Christmas viewing.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

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One of the most critically-acclaimed films ever made, this one had to feature on our list. Guardian angels, second chances and realising how much the people around you love and appreciate you? Christmas spirit for the win!

Love Actually (2003)

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Even if you’re not into cliches and sappy confessions of undying love, Love Actually will always be a festive favourite. Full of big names, big laughs and a hilarious scene featuring Bill Nighy's washed up rockstar repeatedly getting the words to Christmas Is All Around spectacularly wrong… what’s not to love (actually)?

Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

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The Christmas film that even the grumpiest amongst us can love. Wonderfully weird, Dr Seuss’ story and Jim Carrey’s wacky personality are a match made in a bizarre kind of Christmas heaven.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994 Remake)

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There’s a reason this film has become a Christmas classic. It’s exactly what you need to restore faith on a chilly December day (when you’re nursing a killer hangover and realise you have no money to spend on presents...)

The Holiday (2006)

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Yes it’s cheesy. But isn’t that what Christmas is all about? It's a rom com, so there's plenty of laughter and, inevitably, romance and we’re all reminded of the importance of love at Christmastime. How cute. *rolls eyes dramatically whilst sitting alone with a glass of wine*

Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

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A romantic, sweeping musical set in turn-of-the-century Louisiana, Meet Me In St. Louis is a coming-of-age classic. Add Julie Garland serenading her little sister in a snowy window frame with Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas into the mix... What more could you want from a Christmas movie?

Bad Santa (2003)

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With all the lovey dovey, sickly sweet stuff going on on our screens around Christmas, this dark comedy is a welcome break from feeling inferior to all the perfect people living perfect lives. Watching Billy Bob Thornton’s character in Bad Santa almost makes you feel like you have your shit together. Almost.

The Snowman (1982)

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Not strictly a movie, The Snowman is still on our list because it holds such a special place in our hearts. An animated gem (disclaimer: it was made in 1982, so don’t expect anything too high tech), it follows a little boy and the snowman he builds on their exciting adventures. *Sob*

Holiday Inn (1942)

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The movie from which the beautifully idealistic song, White Christmas, originates. A sweet old-school musical starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, complete with big dance numbers, there’s so much to love about this classic. We can promise you won’t be able to watch it without getting that fuzzy Christmassy feeling.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

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Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. Brilliantly eerie; it carries an important message and it's full of festive spirit(s). Except this version comes with muppets. Lots of muppets. There’s not really much more to say. Look out for Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Miss Piggy as his wife. Twenty-five years since its release and this movie still has yet to disappoint!

So there you have it, 12 Christmas Movies Every Student Should Watch Before They Graduate. So what are you waiting for? Drop the revision (we’ll pretend you were doing some in the first place) and get watching!

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